Portable exercise device

ABSTRACT

Portable exercise apparatus that employs a pair of foldable L-shaped frame members that are joined together along a central pivot. A concave arm engaging member is attached to each of the frame members, and a biasing mechanism holds the frame members in a rest position, providing resistance when the frame members are moved around the central pivot. Exercises are performed by moving the frame members apart using each forearm in one of the concave members, with a forward-extending leg of each L-shaped member being held as a handgrip.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to exercise equipment and, more particularly, to a portable device for exercising biceps, forearms, chest and back muscles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exercise equipment can be classified as stationary or portable. Stationary exercise equipment are typically large devices that employ body engaging members such as handles and pads for resistance input from various portions of the human body. Stationary exercise equipment also includes frames that are fastened to the floor with the body engaging members connected to energy absorbing mechanisms by pivoted levers, pulleys and cables. While stationary devices have an advantage in that they can perform exercises on various muscle groups, size limits their availability to gymnasiums or residences having space sufficient to house the equipment.

Portable devices include one or more handles operated by one hand, or by both hands in unison. Coil springs, torsion springs, or elastic bands are commonly used to store energy using handles that are squeezed together or pulled apart to engage the stored energy. Portable devices are commonly used to target a set of muscles. Targeting a set of muscles allows for customized training and/or rehabilitation of those muscles. Portable devices have an advantage in providing a compact device that is easily stored, lightweight, low cost, compact, and intuitive for use. Most known portable devices rely on compression or expansion of a biasing member, such as a spring, to provide resistance to the targeted group of muscles.

Improvements in this area are particularly beneficial when targeting muscles for exercising biceps, forearms, chest and back muscles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The exercise device of the instant invention employs a pair of foldable L-shaped frame members having concave arm-engaging elements positioned at a distal end of the frame members. The frame members are adjoined at a central pivot connection formed at a proximal end of each frame member. The central pivot includes a biasing member, preferably an adjustable coil spring, to bias the frame members in a rest position and provide resistance when the frame members are engaged. Each of the frame members include an inner element that can be grasped by an individual, with the arm-engaging elements constructed and arranged to engage the individual's forearms. The biasing member provides a resistance between the arm engaging members to oppose pivoting movement of the frame members. When the device is at a rest position, the arms of an individual are parallel with the sides of the individual's body. The individual then moves their arms to an outward-extending acute angle expanded position, thereby exercising the individual's biceps, forearms, chest and back muscles.

An objective of the invention is to provide a portable exercise device that targets muscles of an individual's biceps, forearms, chest and back muscles.

Another objective of the invention is to provide an exercise device having engaging elements, wherein each forearm of an individual is placed within one of the concave arm engaging members of an L-shaped frame member while gripping the forward-extending legs of the L-shaped frame members with the hands. When the exercise apparatus is held in its extended condition, each arm of an individual is moved outward from the side of the individual's body against the biasing member resistance.

Still another objective of the invention is to provide an exercise device having foldable arms for compact storage.

Yet still another objective of the invention is to teach an exercise device that can be manufactured by an individual using a 3D printer.

Other objectives, advantages and benefits associated with this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description, examples and claims which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise device;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the exercise device in a rest position;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the exercise device in an expanded position;

FIG. 4 is a pictorial top plan view of the exercise device in the rest position being grasped by an individual;

FIG. 5 is a pictorial top plan view thereof of the exercise device in the expanded position being grasped by a individual; and

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the exercise device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A detailed embodiment of the exercise device is disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representation basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Now referring to the figures, disclosed is a portable exercise device 10 comprising a first L-shaped frame member 12 having a proximal end 14 and a distal end 16. The proximal end 14 includes a junction section 18 having a first pivot hole 20. The proximal end 14 further includes a first stop element 22 having an end section 24 available for abutting a second stop element 26 having an end section 28 on an abutting second L-shaped frame member 50. The first L-shaped frame member 12 includes an inner section 32 hingedly coupled to an outer section 34 having a fastener 36 and securement nut 37 to create a pivot point; the pivot point having an engagement tab 38 with a first stop pad 42 for engaging the outer section 34 adjoining stop pad 44. The distal end 16 of the first L-shaped frame member 12 includes a concave shape 46 constructed and arranged to engage an individual's forearm. The concave shape 46 preferably includes a pad 48 for comfortable placement against the forearm skin. Preferably, the concave shape 46 is formed integral with the frame member. Alternatively, the concave shape 46 may be formed from an attachment member, not shown, that is pivotally coupled to the distal end of the frame.

The second L-shaped frame member 50 forms a mirror image of the first L-shaped frame member 12, having a proximal end 54 and a distal end 56. The proximal end 54 forms a junction reciprocal to first frame member 12 junction 18; the proximal end 54 having a second pivot hole 60 and being adjoined to the first frame member 12 using a fastener 61 and tensioning nut 63. The proximal end 54 includes a second stop element 26 having an end section 28 available for abutting the first stop element 22 having an end section 24 on the abutting first L-shaped frame member 12. The second L-shaped frame member 50 includes an inner section 72 hingedly coupled to an outer section 74 using a fastener 76 and securement nut 77 to form a pivot point; the pivot point having an engagement tab 78. It is noted that the second frame member 50 is a mirror image of the first frame member 12. The engagement pad 78 and stop pad 82 are the same as engagement tab 38 and stop pad 44 for engaging the outer section 74 adjoining stop pad 84. The outer section 74 extends into an L-shape with the second stop pad 82 engaging the adjoining stop pad 84. The distal end 56 of the second L-shaped frame member 50 includes a concave shape 86 constructed and arranged to engage an individual's forearm. The concave shape 86 preferably includes a pad 88 for comfortable placement against the individual's skin.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the outer section 34 folds against the inner section 32 for a stored position. Similarly, the outer section 74 folds against the inner section 72 for storage.

A biasing member 100, preferably an adjustable coil spring wherein the spring rate/tension is adjustable by use of a drag washer 49, also referred to as friction washer. The adjustable coil spring having a first portion 102 is attached to the first frame member inner section 32 and a second portion 104 is attached to the second frame member inner section 72. The biasing member 100 securely holds the inner sections 32 and 72 inline while in a rest position by biasing the stop elements 22 and 26 against each other. The biasing member 100 resists the pivoting movement of the first frame member 12 to the second frame member 50, whereby spring member resistance provides exercise to the individual's muscles. The tensioning nut 63 can be used to change the tension of the drag washer 49 to adjust the spring rate/tension of the biasing member 100.

A drag system is providing by the use of top drag washer 23 having at least one tab 25 for mating with the inner section 72 of the frame to keep the drag washer 23 from rotating. One or more friction washers 27 are placed between the top drag washer 23 and a bottom drag washer 29. The bottom drag washer include at least one tab 29 for engaging the first frame member 12 as depicted by slot 33. In the preferred embodiment the drag washers have a centrally disposed aperture that along with aperture 20 and held in place by fastener 61 and tensioning nut 63. The top drag washer 23 and the bottom drag washer 29 are interchangeable. The aperture 20 is formed in an alignment post which preferably has the same diameter as the washers. The tensioning nut 63 operates as a knob/dial wherein the operator can adjust the drag washers by tightening or loosening the tensioning nut.

Both the first L-shaped frame 12 and the second L-shaped frame 50 include a plurality of apertures 92 for saving weight and material, and provide for an aesthetically pleasing frame. The instant invention can be made from most any material, including aluminum and plastic. The configuration of the apertures is critical when the device is formed of plastic by providing material savings, yet maintaining strength of the arms. One objective of this invention is to provide an exercise device that can be manufactured by an individual using a 3D printer. In this embodiment, a consumer can purchase the plans for the exercise device, which can be replicated on a conventional 3D printer. The only items that the consumer would need to supplement are a coil spring member and conventional fasteners, such as bolts and nuts to the device.

Referring to FIG. 4, in operation an individual grasps the first frame member inner section 32 with the individual's right hand 105 and the individual's forearm 107 engages the concave shape 46 of the outer section 34. Similarly, an individual grasps the second frame member inner section 72 with the individual's left hand 109 and the individual's forearm 111 engages the concave shape 86 of the outer section 74. Referring now to FIG. 5, an individual's muscles must be engaged to overcome the resistance of the biasing member, or spring, 100 placed within the junction section 18. In this manner, inner section 32 engages with the individual's right hand 105 while the individual's forearm 107 engages the concave shape 46 of the outer section 34 and is pushed outwardly from the individual's body. Similarly, the individual grasps the inner section 72 with the individual's left hand 109 while the individual's forearm 111 engages the concave shape 86 of the outer section 74 and the outer section 74 is expanded outwardly. The individuals' biceps, forearms, chest and back muscles are employed to cause the expansion. The spring 100 can be of most any resistance, thereby providing muscle conditioning for younger individuals using a stiff coil spring, or muscle maintenance for elderly individuals using a soft coil spring.

The exercise apparatus of the invention may be additionally configurable for performing leg exercises. For example, the concave arm engagement members may be placed on the outside portion of an individual's knees. A leg exercise is then performed in a sitting position, wherein the opening of the legs draws a resistance against the torsion spring.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more” or “at least one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternative are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or.” The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more steps or elements, possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, a step of a method or an element of a device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features, possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable exercise device comprising: a first L-shaped frame member having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end including a first pivot hole; a second L-shaped frame member forming a mirror image of said first frame member having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end including a second pivot hole; a fastener insertable in said first and second pivot hole securing said first frame member to said second frame member and allowing pivoting movement therebetween; and a biasing member having a first portion attached to said first frame member and a second portion attached to said second frame member, said spring member resisting the pivoting movement of said first frame member to said second frame member; wherein an individual causes pivoting movement of said first and second L-shape frame members, whereby biasing member resistance provides exercise to the individual's muscles.
 2. The portable exercise device according to claim 1, wherein said distal end of each said frame member includes a concave shape constructed and arranged to engage an individual's forearm.
 3. The portable exercise device according to claim 2, wherein said concave shape is formed integral with said frame member.
 4. The portable exercise device according to claim 1, wherein each said L-shaped frame member is further defined by an inner section hingedly coupled to an outer section, wherein each said outer section folds against each said inner section for a storage position.
 5. The portable exercise device according to claim 4, wherein each said inner section includes a stop pad that engages a reciprocal stop pad of each said outer section, wherein said inner and outer frame member form an L-shape when said stop pads are engaged.
 6. The portable exercise device according to claim 1, wherein said biasing member is a coil spring.
 7. The portable exercise device according to claim 6, wherein said coil spring is selected for stiffness, wherein a stiffer coil spring provides a higher resistance from expanding said frame members.
 8. The portable exercise device according to claim 6, wherein said coil spring is adjustable by a tensioning nut allowing tension adjustment to said coil spring.
 9. The portable exercise device according to claim 8 including a drag washer for use in combination with said tensioning nut spring rate/tension adjustment to said coil spring.
 10. The portable exercise device according to claim 1, wherein said proximal end of said first frame member includes a first stop element and said proximal end of said second frame member includes a second stop element, wherein said first stop element is biased against said second stop element in a rest position.
 11. The portable exercise device according to claim 1, wherein each said L-shaped frame member includes a plurality of apertures, wherein said apertures reduce material and weight of said frame members without affecting structural strength.
 12. The portable exercise device according to claim 1, wherein each said L-shaped frame member is formed from a 3D printer, wherein a user can manufacture and assemble said exercise device.
 13. The portable exercise device according to claim 1, including a drag system comprising at least one drag washer positioned between said upper frame ember and said lower frame member, said drag washer adjusted by rotation of a tensioning nut secured to said biasing member. 